Moving ideas to action.

If your heart were as wise as the world is old, how would you change your life?

That was the question my Qigong teacher asked after closing a beautiful group practice today.

I must admit I didn’t have an answer, but I loved the question. And a question like that is not one for a quick response. It takes reflection and a space of “no mind.” Yet I know in my busy schedule, I’ve become accustomed to relying on instant mental messaging. Those messages, whether intellectual or emotional, often arise from conditioning. And whatever form of conditioning I have, often limits my heart wisdom.

A wise heart brings to mind a colleague who mentored me through a new business venture. Tom was the one who saw that my heart wasn’t centered in the work. Although striving toward a goal that would benefit many people in the work place, I found myself pushing, struggling and willing the initiative forward. Nothing came easy. Tom’s wisdom left a lasting impression on me. He called out the change I needed to consider. “You’re not on your soul’s work,” he said. “I see the arm wrestle you’re having with yourself.” It was hard to hear. I knew he was right.

My heart was speaking; I couldn’t hear it. Tom did. My conditioning to strive and work hard to reach goals tuned out my own voice. I was living what Tom referred to as, “other people’s expectations.” I was fortunate to have Tom on my team. Not only was he an experienced serial entrepreneur who was a wizard with business models, he was also a man who learned to integrate the wisdom of his mind, heart and spirit in business. Thankfully, he coached me through a transition and helped me get back on my path.

As an entrepreneur or business leader, where are you neglecting the wisdom of your heart?